An internal review — also called a request for a review — is the free first step to challenge a fine. You ask the issuing authority to look at it again, on the basis of an error or your circumstances, and they can withdraw it, replace it with a caution, or let it stand. It’s done before any court stage and costs nothing to lodge.
Check your fine in minutes →Free case-strength check first — if your grounds are weak, we'll tell you · letters from $10.50, capped at $49.50You lodge a written request with the body that handles your fine (for example Revenue NSW, the issuing council in Victoria, or the Queensland Revenue Office), set out clearly why it should be withdrawn or why leniency is fair, and attach any evidence. They review it and send a written decision. The fine is usually paused while they consider it.
An internal review can result in the fine being withdrawn, an official caution or warning instead of the penalty, or the fine being confirmed. If it’s confirmed and you still disagree, electing to go to court is a separate, later step with its own costs.
Within a review you can either dispute the fine (argue it shouldn’t stand) or ask for leniency (accept it but request a caution). You don’t have to decide upfront — Fight My Fine recommends the stronger path from your answers and drafts the letter.
It’s a free request asking the issuing authority to reconsider your fine, based on an error or your circumstances. They can withdraw it, issue a caution, or confirm it. It’s the first step, before any court stage.
No — lodging a request for a review with the issuing authority is free. Fight My Fine charges only for drafting the letter, from $10.50.
It varies by state and authority, but the fine is generally paused while your request is considered, and you receive a written decision.
Fight My Fine is a self-help tool, not a law firm, and this page is general information, not legal advice. You are the author and sender of every letter. The issuing authority makes the final decision on any review. For serious matters or court, speak with a qualified lawyer or a free service such as LawAccess NSW.